When the tax collectors and other sinners came to hear Jesus, the Pharisees and scribes complained because He was associating with sinners. In Luke 15, Jesus told three parables in response to their criticism. In the first two there was great rejoicing when the lost sheep and coin were found. In the third one,  which represented the condition of the Pharisees, the rejoicing was mixed. The father was rejoicing but the elder son refused to participate in the happy occasion.

We refer to the younger son as the prodigal son because he “wasted his possessions with prodigal living” (v. 13), but the elder son was also wasteful because he failed to use his opportunities. His lack of sympathy and dedication is seen in his failure to feel happiness when his brother returned. His reaction to this event showed his true heart. The fact that he stayed home out of convenience rather than conviction is seen in his lack of sympathy for the feelings of his father.

His self-righteous disposition was indicated in his statement: “I have never transgressed your commandment at any time” (v. 29). He was just like the Pharisee who went to the temple to pray and said: “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess” (Lk. 18:11,12). He did not ask for anything from God because he did not feel that he needed anything. The elder son and the Pharisees had this same spirit.

The elder son acted like he wanted to come into the feast, but he could not bring himself to associate with his sinful brother who had returned home. That self-righteous spirit will not allow men to be saved. When we recognize our own needs we will ask for God’s forgiveness and will not disparage other sinners.